Millionaires' row

Why do commentators such as Seumas Milne (Comment, 21 March) continue to write as if the Tories were interested in the "economy"? The Tories have a fantastic chance – deficit alibi, Lib Dems to take flak, discredited opposition – to do the only thing they want: to rid the country of public service, sell off as much as possible to their backers and absolve themselves of all responsibility for the people of this country. I could bear the stupidity and squalor if this were widely acknowledged. The population might then wake up to their choices at election time.Judy GahaganLondon

• Someone should point out to Nick Clegg that Liberals have traditionally taxed the rich to pay for old age pensions, rather than vice versa. Michael HarrisGillingham, Kent

• Government frontbenchers have apparently been advised that lip-curling sneers do them no good on TV. The most delightful part of the budget debate was watching George Osborne, as Ed Miliband was giving him and David Cameron an unexpectedly sound trouncing, trying to sneer with his forehead. Next time, watch their ears.Angus ThomsonStreatley, Berkshire

• The budget is the final nail in the coffin of the "big society". Any society that can award large tax cuts to the richest and fund them by increasing taxes on some of the poorest is a contemptible society.Ken Grimshaw Bridport, Dorset

• Yup, the Tories are back. Good job we have the Liberals to fight our corner.Ralph GriffithsAylesbury, Buckinghamshire

• If the very rich threaten to withdraw their labour, the government reduces their taxes. If the very poor threaten to withdraw their labour, the government brings in more stringent strike laws. We are not all in it together.John Lodge Lancaster